1988 Cadillac Fleetwood
Only 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 3
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1988
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1988: 3 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1981 | 1 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1984 | 1 |
| 1985 | 6 |
| 1986 | 7 |
| 1987 | 7 |
| 1988 | 3 |
| 1989 | 15 |
| 1990 | 21 |
| 1991 | 14 |
| 1992 | 8 |
| 1993 | 33 |
| 1994 | 16 |
| 1995 | 18 |
| 1996 | 17 |
| 1998 | 4 |
Known problem areas
Only 3 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Vehicle speed control
2 of 3 total reports mention: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing accelerator pedal.
Show complaint excerpts
Auto-tran: gas pedal stuck in open position as driver started car, shifted from park to drive; vehicle lurch forward; hit tree, totaled vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-09-01
Throttle plate stuck at 60 miles per hour. Pieces of a.I.r. Pump vanes found stuck in throttle plate. This was a potentially a deadly situation had there been more traffic on the road. The ignition had to be turned off to stop the car.
NHTSA ODI report, 1999-05-19
Service brakes
1 of 3 total reports mentions: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Electrical system
1 of 3 total reports mentions: electrical system, most commonly citing switch.
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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I
1988-04-22Engineering analysisClosed 1989-10-23 Sudden acceleration
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I
1989-03-10Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-05-17 Anti lock brakes
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R
1991-02-22Seat belts90V050000 Safety belts (Type 1 lap belts) for rear facing seats were not installed.
Remedy: Install safety belts for rear facing seats.
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R
1991-06-04Equipment90V093000 Vehicle description: limousines built by empire coach. Vehicle alterers label may be missing or incomplete.
Remedy: Add compliance label.
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R
2006-10-18Fuel system, gasoline06E043000 Certain replacement fuel filters, fram brand name p/n G3727, with date codes X52911 through X60801 sequentially or X600141 and a mexico country or origin marking on the fuel filter housing…
Remedy: Honeywell will notify owners and replace the fuel filters free of charge. The recall began on October 18, 2006. Owners may contact fram customer service at 1-800-890-2075 (Option 1).
Buy-smart checklist
1988 Cadillac Fleetwood — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Vehicle speed control: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 1 report on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 90V050000 · Seat belts
- Recall 90V093000 · Equipment
- Recall 06E043000 · Fuel system, gasoline
FAQ
- Is the 1988 Cadillac Fleetwood reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 1988 Cadillac Fleetwood?
- The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 67% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1988 Cadillac Fleetwood have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.